SEA Games: Olympic-bound Ernest John Obiena wins pole vault gold

By: Marc Anthony Reyes - 4 years ago

Pole Vaulter Ernest John Obiena wins gold in the 30th Seagames at the New Clark City. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/ INQUIRER

NEW CLARK CITY — Ernest John Obiena played it safe but it was enough to dazzle the Filipino crowd wanting to see him win the pole vault gold medal.

Obiena cleared 5.45 meters to give the Philippines its third gold in the 30th Southeast Asian Games track and field event here at NCC Stadium.

He set a new gold standard, erasing the 5.35m mark of Thai Porranot Purahong two years ago in Kuala Lumpur.

He attempted thrice to make 5.55m but failed each time. Purahong (5.20) and Malaysia Iskandar Alwi (5.00) took silver and bronze, respectively.

The 24-year-old Obiena, training extensively in Fornia, Italy the past three years, picked up the victory that was denied of him two years ago by injury.

He was supposed to fly to Kuala Lumpur for the biennial Games in 2018 but he tore his ACL on the eve of his flight.